Dan Mullen weekly presser: Bulldogs healthy and ready to go

As Mississippi State gets set to open up its season on the road against Southern Mississippi, Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen gave his weekly press conference to address the state of the team.

Here are some notes and highlights from Mullen’s press conference this afternoon:

• Many are picking Mississippi State to finish toward the bottom of the SEC West after finishing second last year. Mullen expects much more from his team but admitted it’s hard to evaluate the overall talent of his squad until he gets to see them against another team, which he’ll get the chance to do Saturday.

“You don’t really know what type of team you have until you face someone else and we’ll find out Saturday night.” –@CoachDanMullen

— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) August 31, 2015

• No team captains have been named yet for the Bulldogs but Mullen said they plan to do so later this week. However, an 11-member leadership council has been elected.

Vote has not been held yet for team captains, but the Football Leadership Committee has been chosen. #HailState

— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) August 31, 2015

• Mullen was asked about the backfield and Ashton Shumpert being the lead back. Mullen said the biggest thing will be seeing how Shumpert handles the transition from backup to starter but added that he’s like what he’s seen from his group of running backs as a whole.

Mullen on RBs: When you have that guy stepping into a starting role that’s a little different. We’ll see how we adjust to that.

— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) August 31, 2015

• On defense, Mullen expressed confidence and said the Bulldogs “will be ready to play” on that side of the ball come Saturday. He also had some nice things to say about how he enjoys working with defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and has been impressed with his growth as a coach.

Mullen: Manny has grown a lot since the last time he was here. I know have as a head coach.

— Michael Bonner (@MikeBBonner) August 31, 2015

“I’m not worried about making sure our defense is ready to play on Saturday.” – DM on Manny Diaz having the defense ready – #HailState

— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) August 31, 2015

• Mullen also used his time at the podium to give an injury update. And as of now, all things health related look good for the Bulldogs.

“We’re actually really healthy, which is pretty good. We don’t have anyone out for any extended period of time.” -DM on health status

— MSU Football (@HailStateFB) August 31, 2015

Pat Donohue

Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.